Michael Jordan is one of the most successful and famous athletes in the history of professional sports. His career highlights include:
- Five NBA MVP awards
- Six NBA Championship titles with the Chicago Bulls
- Two Olympic gold medals
- Nine Seasons Making 1st Team All-NBA and 1st Team All-Defense, the most all-time.
- One of three players to win DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year) and MVP in the same season
- Fourteen NBA scoring titles
- Named All-NBA First Team ten times
- First North American athlete to earn over $300 million in salary and endorsements
Michael Jordan is considered the GOAT (greatest of all time) NBA player. He has become a global celebrity beyond sports due to his movie and television appearances and high-profile advertising campaigns. He is also a co-founder of Jordan Brand, which showcases some of the most collectible and expensive shoes of all time.
Jordan is an eight-time All-Star, a three-time All-Star Game MVP, and was selected 9 times to the NBA All-Defensive Team (Gary Payton later tied Jordan's record of being selected 9 times). His many accomplishments have made his memorabilia coveted among collectors worldwide. He also has 5 league MVPs, with many believing Karl Malone stole one from him in 1997. Additionally, one of his most impressive feats, is having nine seasons being selected 1st Team All-NBA and 1st Team All-Defense, the most all time.
The value of Michael Jordan's rookie cards has increased significantly over time due to his iconic status. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him in 2009, and the Wizards, Bulls, and even the Heat—a team he didn't even play for!—retired his number 23 jersey.
The First Michael Jordan Rookie Cards
Michael Jordan played his first NBA game on October 26th, 1984. His first official rookie card came during the following season. However, several unofficial Michael Jordan rookie cards were issued before the 1985-86 Fleer released trading card set. The Naismith Museum in Massachusetts displays one of these unofficial rookie cards.
Michael Jordan played for the University of North Carolina under coach Dean Smith. The Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan 3rd overall, behind Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets) and Sam Bowie (Portland Trail Blazers). He quickly became famous in the NBA, winning Rookie of the Year honors and leading his team to the Eastern Conference finals in his first season.
In 1988, Jordan led the Bulls to their first of three consecutive titles, earning him MVP honors and setting in motion a stretch of greatness never before seen in pro basketball. Since retiring from playing in 2003, Jordan has served as the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets.
The Last Dance Netflix documentary explores Jordan's career, paying particular attention to his final season with the Chicago Bulls. The global pandemic kept people indoors and searching for entertainment. The popularity of this miniseries fueled renewed interest in Jordan's career and increased the value of many of his collectibles. The most expensive Air Jordans have sold for prices comparable to the most desired trading cards.
The Most Expensive Michael Jordan Cards Sold at Auction
Michael Jordan basketball cards are some of the most expensive sports cards ever sold. His rookie cards are his most valuable, but collectors covet other types of cards that include signatures or highlight different aspects of his career.
According to Beckett Editors, at least 20 of the most expensive Michael Jordan rookie cards have values greater than $100,000. At an auction held by Guernsey's, a card that featured Michael Jordan in his college uniform sold for $312,000.
There are so many valuable Michael Jordan basketball cards that counterfeit cards often appear on the market. It is essential to have an expert authenticate any Jordan memorabilia before investing in its value. Fake cards often lack vital features, including a white border and a jagged bottom edge. Some of these forgeries are easy to spot, while others are more difficult to detect.
These are the highest prices reached by cards sold through Heritage Auctions.
1. 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey Michael Jordan (Autograph) #GJ13S PSA NM 7, Auto 8 – #'d 8/23
Price: $1,440,000
The 1992 NBA All-Star Game showcase was the last All-Star Game for Magic Johnson, who came out of retirement for this game. Magic won the MVP award, and Michael Jordan led with 18 points and five assists.
This is the most expensive Michael Jordan card. This item is a 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey featuring Jordan's autograph and a swatch of his jersey from the 1992 All-Star Game.
This card is a PSA NM 7 with an edition size of 23. This item is hand-numbered #8 of 23 and is one of the top 10 most valuable modern basketball cards.
2. 1997 Metal Universe Michael Jordan (Precious Metal Gems – Green) #23 PSA Authentic – 9/100
Price: $915,000
The company produced only ten green (emerald) foil cards for this series, with only six have been sent to Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) for grading. Metal Universe packs contained random placements of these cards.
In addition to being so rare, the foil design of the card makes it especially susceptible to damage. These factors contributed to the spectacular price paid for this card at auction in 2020.
3. 1997 Metal Universe Michael Jordan (Precious Metal Gems) #23 BGS NM-MT 8 – #'d 52/100
Price: $480,000
This red foil precious metal card was released in collaboration with the green foil we saw above. One hundred total foil cards were released, with the first ten being made of green foil, and the other ninety made with the red foil seen above.
Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems from the late 90's are some of the most valuable sports cards from that era. Skybox produced some of the more valuable baseball cards from the late 90's in spite of being more of a basketball brand.
4. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57 PSA Gem Mint 10
Price: $645,000
The fifty-seventh card of the Fleer 1986 basketball run is one of the most valuable Michael Jordan basketball cards and probably the most recognized. This card is not rare in terms of quantity, so condition is the primary determinant of value. Only 315 PSA GEM Mint 10 examples of this card exist.
This card only cracked the $200,000 price point in late 2020. It passed the $700,000 mark in early 2021, and the card's value has declined since that time.
As the most popular basketball card ever produced, this item has worldwide appeal, and highly rated examples look to remain extremely valuable.
Many counterfeits of this card exist, so only professionally graded examples should be considered for purchase. You can detect counterfeits by looking for an oblong cut, distinct coloration errors, and edges that are rough to the touch. Many of these fakes look real enough to fool the untrained eye, but not authentic enough for professionals.
5. 2000 Upper Deck Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant (Game Jerseys Combo 2) #MJKB-A BGS NM-MT+ 8.5 Auto 10
Price: $516,000
This iconic dual-swatch autograph card is among the most desirable items in trading card collecting, and it was the first card signed by Jordan and Bryant. This rare example remains very valuable to collectors.
6. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57 SGC Pristine 10
Price: $420,000
This particular Jordan rookie card is one of the most expensive basketball cards. The Jordan rookie is both the beginning and the end of an era, as subsequent major issues have drowned value and demand under oceans of supply.
Collectors highly desire this Jordan rookie card, and it is the last example of a collectible standard-issue card before overproduction began reducing card values. This card is the only SGC-rated example featuring the gold-colored “Pristine 10” label.
7. 2002-03 Upper Deck NBA Logo Mania Michael Jordan Logoman Autograph 1/1 #MJ2NBA BGS Gem Mint 9.5 – 10 Autograph
Price: $204,000
2002-2003 Upper Deck Basketball card packs randomly included one of three Michael Jordan Logoman cards. Each card features an NBA logo patch taken from a game jersey, an autograph, and a handwritten 1/1 designation.
This item is an example of an ultra-rare and highly desirable card.
8. 1984-85 Star Co. Michael Jordan Rookie #101 BGS Mint 9
Price: $192,000
This card predates the 1986 rookie card and shows Jordan in the earliest stages of his professional career. College stats appear on the card due to the lack of available data from Jordan's short tenure with the Bulls.
Approximately five thousand of these cards exist, and only three are rated higher by Beckett Grading Services (BGS).
9. 1999 Upper Deck Michael Jordan (Game Jersey Autographs) #GJ10A BGS Mint 9, Auto 10 – #'d 10/23
Price: $132,000
This limited edition was only available via mail and featured an autograph and a game jersey swatch. This card is hand-numbered 10/23.
10. 2000 Ultimate Collection Michael Jordan #MJ-G Ultimate Signatures Gold (21/25) PSA Gem Mint 10
Price $102,000
Twenty-five of these cards were placed in Upper Deck packs, featuring Jordan, Kobe, and Kevin Garnett. This card includes a 21/25 stamp and Jordan's autograph. This card is mint and released the year before Jordan played for the Washington Wizards, making this one of the final cards featuring Jordan in his Bulls uniform.
Best Value Michael Jordan Basketball Cards
Don't despair if these items are beyond reach. Check out the most expensive Stephen Curry basketball cards for a comparison!
Many excellent Jordan collectibles are available that do not require a second mortgage on your home.
1984-85 Star Co. Michael Jordan #101 Signed Rookie BGS NM-MT+ 8.5, Autograph 10
Price: $26,400
The famous 1986 card is the official rookie card, but this autographed example from the previous year is similarly revered.
As part of the Jordan basketball legacy, this card takes on added value for reasons beyond the historic nature of the signature.
2003 Upper Deck Triple Dimensions Michael Jordan (Standout Signatures) #5 BGS Pristine 10, Auto 10 – #'d 12/25
Price: $26,400
This item is a 2003 Upper Deck Triple Dimensions “Standout Signatures” card featuring a gold design and a near-perfect rating.
2005-06 SP Game Used By The Letter Michael Jordan 5/6 #BL-MJ, BGS Mint 9
Price: $25,200
This card features a larger jersey swatch than was seen previously. This By The Letter set took names from game-used jerseys and featured them on cards with serial numbers equal to the length of the player's name.
1998-99 Metal Universe Michael Jordan Precious Metal Gems #1 BGS NM-MT+ 8.5 – Numbered 6/50
Price: $24,000
This item is a 1998-99 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems card. Only fifty of these inserts exist, and this is number six.
2012 Fleer Retro Buyback Autographs Michael Jordan #9 PSA NM 7, Auto 7 – #'d 98/100 with 1/1 Auto
Price $22,800
This item is a limited edition 2012 Fleer Retro Buyback Autograph card. The signature is 1/1, and the card is graded PSA NM 7 with a PSA/DNA NM 7 autograph. This card is number 098/100.
1997 UD3 Michael Jordan (Season Ticket – Autograph) #MJ PSA NM 7, Auto 7
Price $22,800
This card is a 1997 UD3 “Season Ticket” featuring Jordan's autograph on a foil back. Graded PSA NM 7 and certified & graded PSA/DNA Auto 7. Only eight of these cards went to PSA for grading.
2001 Upper Deck Michael Jordan (MJ Comeback Commemorative-Dual Jersey Auto) #CCDA1 BGS NM-MT 8, Auto 10 – #'d 9/23
Price: $22,200
Upper Deck produced just twenty-three of these cards. This dual patch item features a swatch from a UNC jersey and a swatch from a game-used Bulls jersey. An Auto 10 rated autograph is also featured.
2005 Upper Deck Trilogy Michael Jordan (Signature Swatches Autographs) #SSA-MJ BGS Gem Mint 9.5, Auto 10 – #'d 25/25
Price: $21,000
The Upper Deck Trilogy cards display a game-worn jersey from an All-Star game and an autograph, and this card is BGS Gem Mint 9.5 number 25/25. This item is the highest-rated of the seventeen cards submitted for review.
2006 Skybox E-X Michael Jordan (Jambalaya) #J-MJ BGS Mint 9
Price $21,000
Fleer brought back the Jambalaya line in 2003, and the rarity of this card has created an item that remains highly collectible. Michael Jordan's inclusion drove the popularity of the series.
Fewer than 30 of these cards have gone to Beckett for rating.
1993 Finest Michael Jordan (Refractor) #1 PSA Gem Mint 10
Price: $19,800
Topps Finest collection debuted in 1993 and featured refractor parallel cards. The company placed one of these cards in every nine packs. This item is card number one for Michael Jordan. Insert cards in this debut issue were scarce.
1985 Interlake/Boy Scouts Michael Jordan BGS Mint 9
Price: $19,200
The Boy Scouts and Interlake Youth Incentive Program sponsored cards featuring the Chicago Bulls, including a young Michael Jordan.
Key Takeaway
To recap, the most expensive Michael Jordan rookie card is the 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey Michael Jordan card, valued at a ludicrous $1,440,000. On the other end, the 1985 Interlake/Boy Scouts Michael Jordan BGS Mint 9 is still incredibly valuable, but you’ll be paying a much more affordable price of $19,200 if you want to try and get your hands on it.
Michael is right beside historical legends such as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird regarding the explosion of the NBA in terms of worldwide popularity.
Collectors are always looking for rare and exciting Michael Jordan cards. The prices for some of the most coveted cards continue to rise. Even if you're not a basketball fan, it's hard to deny the cultural impact that Michael Jordan has had. These cards represent a piece of history and are sure to appreciate over time.
Special thanks to Heritage Auctions for furnishing images.
